by hidden europe

Martinmas is a day for a fresh start, a chance to turn over a new leaf. A good day for an armistice. And a good day to kick off the Carnival season.

article summary —

We designated 11 November as the official
publication date of this issue of hidden
europe. It is a day widely celebrated
across Europe as the Feast of Saint Martin of
Tours. It is often known as Martinmas. In some
countries, there are processions of children
through the streets, often accompanied by the
appearance of the figure of St Martin on a horse. It
is a day for feasting. In many respects Martinmas
rituals recall those of the Celtic festival of Samhain
which marked the start of the darker period of the
year — although there are also cultural echoes of
Samhain in the traditions of All Hallows Eve.

In Britain and the USA, the 11th day of
November has acquired a very particular meaning
through its designation as Remembrance Day (in
Britain) and Veterans Day (in the United States).
The symbolisation of the 11th hour of the 11th
day of the 11th month is deeply embedded in
Remembrance Day in Britain (and elsewhere in
the Commonwealth where Remembrance Day is
observed).

Yet the 11-11-11 symbolism predates the signing
in November 1918 of the Armistice which signalled the end of the First World War.

This is just an excerpt. If you are a subscriber to hidden europe magazine, you can log in to read the full text online. Of course you can also read the full article in the print edition of hidden europe 44.

About the authors

Nicky Gardner and Susanne Kries manage hidden europe, a Berlin-based editorial bureau that supplies text and images to media across Europe. Together they edit hidden europe magazine. Nicky and Susanne are dedicated slow travellers. They delight in discovering the exotic in the everyday.

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